2024-2026 Projects
Japanese Knotweed Management Project
The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee removed a patch of invasive Japanese Knotweed near Clinton Ave. & Perreault St. as part of restoration efforts to repair the greenspace and help native plants flourish.
This project was made possible with support from the Invasive Species Centre’s Invasive Species Action Fund and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Northern Ontario Heritage Foundation, and the City of Greater Sudbury. Also, a special thank you to Ethier Sand & Gravel for donating sand to fill the sandbags!
What is Japanese Knotweed?
Japanese Knotweed is an invasive plant that grows aggressively in dense patches, taking over an area, outcompeting native plants, and negatively impacting habitats. This plant can even grow through concrete and has been noted to damage building foundations and other infrastructure.
Japanese Knotweed – Profile and Resources | Invasive Species Centre
Management Technique Being Used
The management technique being used at this site does not involve any chemicals. We are using a “cutting and tarping” or “smothering” method. This method is a more environmentally friendly alternative to herbicides. First the plant is cut and removed, then a weighted tarp covers the site to block sunlight and water and heat up the roots. This creates unfavourable conditions and stops the plant from growing back. After several years of “smothering”, the site will be ready to be replanted with native plants.
Boot brush station
Trailside Boot Brush Station
In 2024, Sudbury's first trailside boot brush station was installed along the Junction Creek Waterway Park trail. This initiative helps combat the introduction and spread of invasive plants by encouraging trail users to clean their footwear before and after their visit.
Where to Find It
The boot brush station is located in the Arboretum along the Percy Park Trail, at the north end of the Downtown-Flour Mill Trail near Claude Charbonneau Park. Ready to hit the trail? Don't forget to make a stop at the boot brush station and join the fight against invasive species!
Brushing your boots is a simple yet impactful way to protect Sudbury’s natural spaces:
- Before entering the trail: Remove dirt, seeds, and plant material from the treads and sides of your boots to avoid introducing invasive species.
- Clean your boots again to prevent spreading any plant matter to other natural areas.
Download our Boot Brush for Trails Guide
Every brush counts! By taking a few moments to clean your footwear, you’re helping preserve our local environment for everyone to enjoy.
Part of our 'Managing Invasive Plants along Urban Trails in Sudbury’ project, made possible with support from the Invasive Species Action Fund and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Northern Ontario Heritage Foundation, the City of Greater Sudbury, and Pinehill Lumber. The views expressed are solely the views of JCSC and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province, Ministry of Natural Resources or the Invasive Species Centre.
Invasive species pulls and community outreach
In addition to the Japanese Knotweed Management project and trailside boot brush station, we also delivered a series of invasive plant pulls and outreach campaigns to empower community stewardship and remove invasive plants along the Junction Creek Waterway Park trails. Throughout the project, 29 volunteers removed 224 kg of invasive plants (Himalayan Balsam, Purple Loosestrife, and Japanese Knotweed) in Garson, New Sudbury, and the Flour Mill community.
Together, we are tackling the ecological challenges posed by invasive plants and driving positive change for the long-term restoration of Junction Creek.
Phragmites in Sudbury
Invasive Phragmites (Phragmites australis) is a growing concern in the Sudbury region as it is on the forefront of encroaching spread from southern reaches. Greater Sudbury poses unique challenges for the spread and control of invasive Phragmites. There are over 330 lakes and a network of rivers and streams which increases the risk of Phragmites spreading since the seeds can easily travel long distances in flowing water. Phragmites has also been reported in heavily polluted areas such as those that contain mining waste and metals that kill most native species but provide adequate growing conditions for Phragmites with little to no competition. This may result in higher occurrences in the region since Sudbury is one of the largest mining communities in North America and has mining facilities situated at the headwaters of Junction Creek and its tributaries.
Comprehensive mapping is critical for defining the scope of invasive species spread and identifying priority sites. Greater Sudbury is over 3,000 square kilometres in area, requiring greater efforts in species monitoring to cover such a large geographic area to fully understand the extent of spread in the region. Sharing knowledge and resources are effective ways to amplify monitoring efforts, however, there is currently no regional level planning for invasive Phragmites in Greater Sudbury. Consequently, much of Greater Sudbury remains unmapped despite past community efforts. Therefore, there is a strong need for targeted invasive Phragmites monitoring and collaborative planning in Sudbury for long-term management and prevention.
Phragmites Patrol: Monitoring and Controlling Invasive Phragmites Project
In 2024, the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee (JCSC) launched the Phragmites Patrol: Monitoring and Controlling Invasive Phragmites Togetherproject to collectively address gaps in mapping, monitoring, and managing invasive Phragmites australis (European Common Reed) in the Greater Sudbury region.
Key Activities and Results
- Mapping and Data Collection
We conducted extensive surveys along 81 km of shorelines in the upper reaches of Junction Creek watershed and surrounding lakes, filling important data gaps for comprehensive mapping and to support regional Phragmites management efforts. We also collected DNA samples to distinguish between native and invasive subspecies. - Public Engagement
Throughout the project, we provided applied learning opportunities for students, informative presentations and outreach material, and encouraged community science involvement in invasive species reporting. We also hosted a free public information session featuring guest speakers and outreach displays to raise awareness about invasive Phragmites. - Collaborative Planning
The project facilitated collaboration with local partners and stakeholders to help create a coordinated regional approach for monitoring, prevention, and control of invasive Phragmites.
Learn more about invasive Phragmites:
- Phragmites - Ontario Invasive Plant Council
- Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative | Linking people, information & action
- Invasive Phragmites | Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program
- Invasive Phragmites – Profile and Resources | Invasive Species Centre
This project is made possible with the support of the Ontario Phragmites Action program and supporting funder, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The views expressed are solely the views of JCSC and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province, Ministry of Natural Resources or the Invasive Species Centre.
